Haredi
Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
Understanding the ultra-Orthodox: Is haredim in the army a pipe dream or within reach?
Fears, hopes, and the IDF’s efforts to work with the community – and improve conditions to maximize ultra-Orthodox recruitment
Grapevine, July 25, 2025: A future theocracy?
'Enlistment=Genocide': Haredi protesters assault police in Jerusalem, block city entrance
Indictment against accused sex offender Chaim Rotter expected Sunday
New haredi draft proposal by reservist NGOs gains traction on Knesset, still no clear framework
According to the proposal, all haredi men will receive draft summons and be required to serve in the IDF, although the outline does not explain why it would be limited to men.
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's attacks on Edelstein ignore his sacrifices for Judaism - opinion
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef seems to ignore who Yuli Edelstein really is: someone who physically risked his life for the observance of Torah and mitzvot.
National healing begins with a much needed change in politics - editorial
We may be naive, but at the same time truly believe that there is a small and important opportunity for change.
Geula: Jerusalem's beating heart of ultra-Orthodox life
Originally just one small district, Geula has become so synonymous with haredi life that its name now blankets an entire cluster of neighborhoods.
'My conscience is clear': Why MK Yuli Edelstein won't settle for a soft haredi draft - interview
"This law ends the phenomenon of pretending to study Torah. To me, that’s a disgrace to the world of Torah," Edelstein told Maariv.
Belief in the Haredi sector: Ruby capital to finance two projects worth NIS 245 million
Ruby Capital expands in the ultra-Orthodox sector with two new deals in Kiryat Sefer and Bnei Brak for 170 units. Overall, it finances 2,200+ units in the sector, totaling NIS 1.2 billion.
Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, Shas's Arbel rescinds resignation
Arye Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, despite Shas leaving government • Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to stay in role to complete 'urgent tasks'
Israel Police, with FBI's help, collect testimony from Chaim Rotter victim in US
Rotter's arrest has been consistently extended, and several others who are close to him were apprehended for questioning as well.
Behind yeshiva walls: The hidden sexual abuse in haredi communities - opinion
It seems that every time a new scandal erupts, the deep fracture within the haredi community is exposed once again.
Trump hints at 'good news' regarding Gaza as Israel shows flexibility in hostage talks
Sirens by Dead Sea after Houthi missile launch • Shas exits Netanyahu's gov't,• Syrian Druze leaders reach ceasefire in Sweida • Israel's Druze community infiltrates Syria •
Netanyahu, Smotrich visit IDF haredi brigade, praises soldiers' willingness to serve
Netanyahu, Smotrich, and senior defense officials, met with soldiers and commanders at the training facility and received a briefing on the brigade's operations.
